Letter carrier accused of stealing $15,000

A 34-year-old postal employee is facing federal charges after investigators say he dressed up as a robber and stole $15,000 from the northeast Harris County post office where he worked. "He knew exactly what he was doing," said Dionne Montague, a public information officer with US Postal Service.

Rodney Neil Harvey, 34, could be charged with theft of public funds or robbery. Harvey is expected to make his first appearance in federal court Friday.

The incident happened around 7:15pm Wednesday. Harvey, a letter carrier, is accused of putting on a disguise over his postal uniform then stealing a postal bag containing $15,000 cash. He allegedly wore a ski mask to hide his face.

"He was unarmed," Montague said. "No threats were made and no one was injured."

After police arrived, Harvey was seen walking out of the woods. He allegedly told police he chased the robber but claimed the suspect got away. Officers questioned Harvey, then went into the woods where they found the money and the disguise. He was then taken into custody.

If he's convicted of robbery, Harvey could face a $250,000 fine and up to 25 years in prison.